ST. Theresa SCHOOL

Our Mission

We are dedicated to the cultivation of academic excellence and the spiritual, social and emotional growth of each student.

The school promotes an environment of cultural diversity in which a caring faculty and staff implement the educational system of Saint John Bosco based on reason, religion and loving kindness. They seek to help each student to reach his/her full potential.

With Jesus Christ and Mary as our examples the St. Theresa community grows and matures in a family atmosphere where each individual experiences respect, challenge, responsibility, and exceptional love and acceptance.

CURRICULUM

PRE-K 3 / PRE-K 4

The Early Childhood Program provides a solid formation for growing and learning. We have a safe, caring environment. Our curriculum incorporates Reading and Math Readiness through opportunities for the students to express themselves and to be creative. We encourage awareness and sensitivity toward others through religious beliefs and values.

KINDERGARTEN

The Kindergarten Program employs a multi-disciplinary approach. The curriculum revolves around the reading readiness series. The importance of phonetics and writing is stressed. The math program consists of counting, telling time, the use of money, simple addition and subtraction. There is also participation in hands-on Science and Social Studies experiences. In the Religion program, the focus is on introducing God as a friend, who created each of us as unique and special individuals, with gifts and talents to be shared with others. There is an evaluation of students, both on the individual level and on their participation in group activities and the ability to work with others.

GRADES 1-8 RELIGION

Religion is at the center of everything we do at St. Theresa School. It is not only treated as an academic area, but also as an experience with God and His love for each of us. For this reason, we begin each day with an assembly for the sharing of Sacred Scripture and Morning Prayer. The students are encouraged to live the “Law of Love” in all they do throughout the day. Basic Catholic beliefs, the Sacraments, the Commandments, prayer/worship, and Scripture study are included in the Religion Curriculum. Classes plan and participate in Liturgies and Prayer Services. Catholic Teachings are an integral part of daily living, and are incorporated into all areas of the curriculum.

MATHEMATICS

Grades 1-2

The curriculum for these two grades includes addition and subtraction of single, double and triple digits and also regrouping and word problems. They focus on time, money, with the addition of measurement and fractions. There is a hands-on approach to Math through the use of manipulatives and teacher-designed activities. In Grade 2, the multiplication tables are introduced.

Grades 3-5

The curriculum moves toward higher order of thinking, by specifically using an enthusiastic approach to problem solving. The concentration continues on to whole numbers and counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, as well as fractions and units of measurement.

Grades 6-8

Students continue the exploration of basic operations, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, integers, algebra and geometry. The mental aspects of math, number sense, probability, and problem solving are also stressed. Qualifying students in Grades 6-8 are given the opportunity to participate in the Advanced Math Program.

LANGUAGE ARTS

The Language Arts curriculum is a comprehensive program that includes the study of communication skills, reading, writing, listening and speaking. Grammar is taught to improve writing and speaking skills. Literary magazines, writing and the performance of student-written plays, creative literature-based presentations, cooperative groups and peer editing enhance the Language Arts Program.

Grades 1-2

The Language Arts curriculum incorporates Reading, using literature-based readers and a phonetic approach. It is comprised of phonics, listening skills, grammar and includes basic elements of speech and writing skills. It also includes sentence structure, sequence, main ideas and other details. Weekly spelling lists and creative story writing are also utilized.

Grades 3-5

The curriculum includes phonics and grammar with an emphasis on vocabulary usage. Writing skills are reinforced through activities such as writing centers, book reports, class newspapers, creative story writing and plays. Comprehension is a fundamental component of the program and is taught through the use of novels and anthologies.

Grades 6-8

The Language Arts curriculum combines reading and writing skills with a strong grammar component. Students produce writing portfolios that demonstrate growth over the course of the year. Reading comprehension, literary skills and vocabulary is taught in conjunction with classic and modern novels and anthologies.

science

Grades 1-2

In the primary grades, the Science curriculum introduces the students to the world around them.They study living things such as animals and plant life and the solar system. Students work on group and individual projects related to the unit under study.

Grades 3-5

The curriculum stresses the scientific method. The physical world, as well as life sciences, is explored. Study units are reinforced through the use of experiments, field trips, research and technology.

Grades 6-8

The curriculum includes the study of earth, life and the physical sciences. Students carry out hands-on experiments and projects for classifying, predicting, hypothesizing, estimating and problem solving.

social studies

The Social Studies curriculum focuses on global studies, the Western Hemisphere and the United States. Our program utilizes maps (individual as well as classroom), graphs, charts, cooperative learning activities, audio-visual materials and field trips to enhance the curriculum.

Grades 1-2

The Social Studies curriculum encompasses many areas. Students learn about different types of land and water formations. They study neighborhoods, communities, countries, and continents, with a focus on the United States. They also learn how their families are unique and special. American History is studied through units on United States holidays, symbols of the United States and famous people.

Grades 3-5

The Social Studies curriculum comprises the study of communities, the history and geography of New Jersey, United States History with emphasis on the colonies, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and the United States Constitution. Lessons are reinforced through the use of dramatic presentations, guest speakers, research projects, field trips, and technology.

Grades 6-8

The 6th Grade students study the history and culture of the Western Hemisphere. The focus in Grades 7-8 is on American History. Students become active participants in the learning process through research projects, debates, computers and related software, field trips and the use of other technologies.

LIL' STALLIONS

THE INFANT ROOM

St.Theresa School wants to be partners with the parents who entrust their infants to us, and we seek to earn that trust. The Infant Program seeks to provide a nurturing environment for 6 week to 12 month old babies. This full-time program allows the infants to develop a sense of security with the environment.

The Infant Room has an individual plan for each child. Since you, as parents, are the best suited to make thedecisions about your child’s day at STS we will support your decision and follow your directives. Working together as a team between home and those in charge of the Infant Room is of vital importance since the needs of infants are ever-changing.

Since babies learn at an amazing rate from birth, they are aware of their environment and respond to it. Therefore, we provide loving, qualified caregivers who respond to the child’s needs, interacting with the little ones throughout the day. Basic actions such as reaching, grasping, kicking, holding, pulling, crawling, climbing, etc are encouaged. Cognitively, the infants learn objective performance, spatial relationships, cause and effect. Through adult-child conversations, reading, fingerplays, songs and music, the infants are immersed in a language–rich environment. Each infant’s day is full of diverse, developmentally appropriate activities designed for the different stages of development.

Each infant is provided with its own crib. Atfeeding time the younger babies are always held when having a bottle. When the child is ready for solid food they are placed in individual high chairs to introduce and encourage self-feeding. When parents decide that their child is ready for finger food, snacks and other foods are sent from home to assure allergy control and basic food choices.

We provide gentle care to meet the daily needs of diapering, feeding, and sleeping. By working diligently to meet the infant’s basic needs, we create a healthy and safe environment. Caregivers view diapering and other times as a special opportunity to interact with the child, using a quiet tone of voice and talking with the child to insure trust. Each family is to provide the diapers, wipes, powders and ointments that they wish to be used by their child. Each infant is changed every two hours or more often if needed.

Although you are away from your child during the day, you will know what their day was like through the report you will receive at the end of each day. This report lets you know about diaper changes, feeding, naps and what your child did during the day at STS. The daily report supplements the oral report with your child’s caregiver. Our caregivers try to be available either at drop off or pick up times.

the waddler room

Children of approximately 12-24 months of age move to the Waddler Room. The Waddlers are exploring their world through movement and free play. They use their imagination in creative parallel play with peers and the use of manipulatives.

In the Waddler Room snacks and lunch, provided by the parents because of allergies and food choices, are a community activity. This is a special time to encourage good social behavior. Children will be engaged in language development activities as well as story time and reading enrichment.

toddler / plus room

Toddlers are beginning to explore and control their world. They are developing self-help skills, including feeding themselves, using the toilet, drinking from a cup and dressing themselves. At STS tables and chairs, cubbies, cots and shelves are designed for toddlers. Toilets and sinks are child-sized. Toddlers are encouraged to put on their own coats, shoes, and clothing. We believe that through patience and using small steps most toddlers can learn appropriate independence. A consistent, developmentally appropriate program of activities helps to nurture a “can-do” attitude.

The Toddler Room has materials that promote language development such as alphabet, phonics and early math materials. Toddlers experience art through many mediums, including crayons, markers, paint, fingerpainting, clay, etc. Art activities are child-directed, allowing for the development of actual skills and experiences by the child, as opposedto copying adult produced prototypes.

Large and small motor skills are improved and refined throughout the program. Manipulatives such as large Legos and puzzles are always available for the toddlers. Movement activities take place at circle time helping in the development of the child’s large motor skills. Playground equipment is age appropriate, allowing the Toddlers to climb, jump, slide, run and ride safely, always under adult supervision. Weather permitting, two-year old Toddlers play outside twice a day.

In the Toddler Room snack and lunch are a group activity. Each day there will be a morning and afternoon snack provided by the child’s parent. Children will also bring lunch from home so as to control allergies and food choices. Children learn how to behave in a socially correct manner and clean up when they have finished eating.

Naptime is in the early afternoon shortly after lunch. Each child is provided with a toddler-sized cot. Families are encouraged to send a blanket, small pillow and a stuffed toy, if desired. Lights are turned down and quiet music is played to help the children to rest. Caregivers are happy to rub backs to help the Toddlers to fall asleep. After resting on their cots for thirty minutes, a child who does not want to sleep is allowed to choose a quiet activity until naptime is over.